Many young women are now undergoing genetic testing to find out if they’re at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Knowing they carry risky genes, some get life insurance early, opt to freeze eggs while others get mastectomies before any cancer develops.

Women with the BRCA gene mutations have a 60 to 80% chance of developing breast cancer, and up to a 60% chance of getting ovarian cancer in their lifetime.

When Lindsay Avner, 26, found out she had inherited the mutations, she opted to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy when she was 23. The surgery involves removing as much of the at-risk tissue as possible, in order to reduce the chance of developing cancer.

A year later she started an organization to educate young women about breast cancer and preventive health, Bright Pink.

"It's something our parents and grandparents didn't have available," Avner said. Every female member of the family, from aunts to her grandmother, died from the disease.

Her mother is the only survivor, but endured four bouts with breast and ovarian cancer. "I wanted to know, so my future kids don't suffer like I did, seeing my mom going through chemo and struggling with it."

"If a young woman finds out early on that she's at high risk, it's nothing to freak out about, but it can be something to plan for." Says Dr. Deborah Lindner, Avner’s personal physician who also went through the mastectomy when she found out she had the genetic mutation when she was 32.

Breast cancer rates in young woman are low: about 5 % of breast cancers occur in women younger than 40. But, when it does happen, the cancer is more likely to spread faster, be of a higher grade (the cells look and behave more abnormally) and be less receptive to chemotherapy and other treatments.

Would you get genetically tested to find out if you have an increased chance of getting breast and/or ovarian cancer? Comment in the box below!

Check out what some young people are doing to fight cancer:

• Nisha made her Sweet 16 count by asking people to donate to a local breast cancer organization instead of giving her gifts!
• Kicks for Cancer organized a 24 hour soccer game to benefit breast cancer research.